ARKANSAS: Three Gay Couples Sue State Over Children's Birth Certificates

Three same-sex couples sued Arkansas health officials Monday for refusing to name both spouses on their children's birth certificates, arguing the state is violating their constitutional rights after gay marriage was legalized nationwide. The married women said in the lawsuit filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court that the state Health Department would list only the biological mother on the birth certificate, and said they were told they would need a court order to name both spouses. The couples sought the birth certificates after last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down gay marriage bans nationwide. The lawsuit says not providing the birth certificates "(deprives) these children of the dignity, legitimacy, security, support and protections provided to children of heterosexual couples, regardless of marital status."